| Volume 130 Number 1 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Never cash a check and return part of the proceeds to the person who gave it to you! One of the most common and successful scams involves paying for something with a certified or cashiers’ check in a larger amount and asking for the difference. The check is counterfeit and you will be out whatever money you return. Click here for more.
Dallas Struggles to Find Grocery Store for its Southern Food Desert
After months of encouraging grocery companies to open a store in southeast Dallas, the city of Dallas has yet to find any takers. In July, the city offered at least $3 million to any grocery store willing to sell fresh produce and healthy food in a "southern Dallas food desert." Grocery officials offer several reasons why they don't or won't consider southern Dallas, such as demographics, customers' buying patterns and density. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Erik Wilson said "customer theft" is another secret reason. One study found that 400,000 Dallas County residents, many of whom are in low-income neighborhoods, lack access to healthy food and are forced to do their shopping at convenience stores or fast-food restaurants. Click here for more.
Your Money
Are you using a credit card to purchase gifts this holiday season? Credit cards have several benefits even if you have enough cash to cover the costs of your purchase. There is one drawback to be on the lookout when making large purchases--deferred interest. You buy now and pay no interest for several months. What most deferred interest programs don't tell you is that if you fail to repay your debt within your grace period, your lender has the right to retroactively apply interest to your original purchase amount in full. For example, if you bought a $1,000 appliance and paid off all but $50 of it by the time your deferred interest period ran out, you'll be liable for interest on the entire $1,000 from the original purchase date. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
The U.S. Senate has passed the Consumer Review Fairness Act, a bill that would prohibit non-disparagement clauses in consumer contracts. The House adopted the bill earlier this year, and the president is expected to sign the bill, which has faced no public opposition. The new law means that companies will no longer be able to fine or sue consumer who publish negative online reviews. Click here for more.